The Cancer Research Foundation of America, an organization dedicated to prevention of the disease through research, education and early detection, applauds your effort to increase awareness of skin cancer through Andy North's article ("Sun Stroked," May). Andy's detailed description of his trial with the disease should caution people to watch out for suspicious moles and to practice sun safety.

CRFA encourages you to continue to highlight other cancers that are preventable or highly curable when treated early: prostate, breast, lung and colon cancer. Many professional golfers have been touched by cancer, and the golfing community can be a strong force for reinforcing the messages of early detection and prevention.

More than 1,350,000 individuals will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States during this calendar year. Through compelling and informative articles such as Andy North's, cancer prevention and early detection messages can undoubtedly help reduce the incidence of cancer.

Carolyn R. Aldig

President and Founder,

Cancer Research Foundation of America

The recent article, "Sun Stroked," struck me with surgical precision. Several years ago, I underwent a similar operation.

In the wake of such a frightening experience, I strongly believe every golfer should conduct a monthly self-examination utilizing the American Academy of Dermatology's "ABCD" method. I intend to get copies of this powerful life-saving story for all my golfing friends and business clients.

Ted C. Parker Jr.

Erie, Pa.

Rules are rules

Two articles in the May issue indicated a lack of knowledge of the Rules of Golf by tour professionals Annika Sorenstam and Davis Love III. It amazes me that such players can be so painfully conscientious concerning other aspects of their game and yet so casual about the Rules.

Before I took the effort to learn the Rules, I was constantly embarrassed by having to ask others what the proper procedure was in any given instance. I finally got enthused about learning the Rules, and enjoyed it.

It is inconceivable to me that Davis Love, with his obvious respect for the traditions of the game, would tee it up at a tournament without a rock-solid foundation in the Rules. I wonder if he has made the effort to remedy the situation as has Ms. Sorenstam? I share Tom Meeks' impatience with the tour players who set the pace for the rest of us but don't make the effort.

Skip Stephenson

Dallas, Texas

More debate

I would like to offer another point of view to Gary Crist's article ("The Liability of Going Spikeless," May). I take exception to his article on two points.

The first is the use of the general term "spikeless" as though there were only one type of shoe under consideration. Actually, there are several. I have worn three different kinds of non-metal shoes: the so-called "nubbies," the "spirals" and the newer "non-metal cleats." My experience is that the spirals are the poorest in providing traction, while the non-metal cleats closely approximate steel spikes. To lump them all together as though they were the same is inaccurate.

Secondly, I assume that he is a riding golfer. Were he a walking golfer, he would have made mention of the hazards steel spikes present to the walking golfer. At my club, for instance, the pro, his assistant and all members of the board of governors are riders. And I suspect ours is the rule rather than the exception. As a result, little thought is given to the convenience and safety of the walking golfer when ramped inclines, drinking water sources and rest facilities are constructed. You have only had to negotiate a paved ramp on steel spikes to understand the problem.

Earl Reinke

Montgomery, Ala.

Thanks for the article about spikeless golf shoes. I am an attorney by trade and have spoken on this subject at numerous USGA Green Section Regional Conferences.

Although I am a spikeless advocate, one key point to emphasize is that any golf shoe is a compromise. No shoe provides perfect traction all the time. A traditional metal-spiked shoe poses a danger when the person walks on concrete, particularly if the concrete is cured with a smooth finish. So even if we were to concede that traditional shoes provide more traction on the fairway than the "spikeless" alternatives, the question remains: Where would you rather slip and risk falling? On the grass or on the cement?

Bo Links

San Francisco, Calif.

I am not an attorney, but I feel the requirement of many courses to wear "soft spikes" creates a danger that reflects on the course management and the manufacturer of the "soft spikes."

I recently played a course on which the use of spikeless shoes was required. It was the first time I ever used these devices. The course was wet but deemed playable by course management. However, the customary anchorage that one expects from spiked shoes was not the same. It was like trying to hit the ball while on roller skates. The spikes filled with grass and mud and had little friction quality.

The loss of footing made play difficult, and the game is difficult enough without having the additional difficulty of not being able to get a solid stance during the golf swing.

The use of spiked shoes has been acceptable for years as an aid to provide a firm anchor for the player's feet. I consider use of these dangerous alternatives a hazard to the players.

William S. Kaplan

San Francisco, Calif.

I read with delight the article, "The Liability of Going Spikeless," since I suggested the same concept to my club. I agree that the manufacturers have already "covered" themselves via the "warning" labels they apply to their containers.

I cannot understand how courses can avoid liability with "liberal use of adequate signage informing and warning players . . . about particularly dangerous areas or conditions." How can management mandate unsafe attire and then avoid liability by noting it is providing dangerous conditions for application of its mandate?

I cannot get beyond the idea that we will knowingly endanger the consumer, all in the name of a little sod. If spike marks are so offensive to golfers, this problem could be safely solved by permitting the repair of spike marks within a three-foot diameter of the hole. Safety should not take a back seat to maintenance costs.

Nona J. Switala

Oceanside, Calif.

Gary Crist responds: Mr. Reinke's observation that there are many types of "spikeless" shoes is accurate. As "spikeless" alternatives grow in popularity, the "state of the art" will evolve, producing the best compromise of comfort, stability and "green friendliness." As to his observation that I must be a "riding golfer," I am sometimes a rider and sometimes a walker. It's the golfer part of his definition I sometimes have trouble fulfilling.

Mr. Links' point that metal spikes pose a danger on certain surfaces, particularly smooth concrete, is valid. However, I think metal-spike wearers are more generally aware of these problems and therefore are inclined to exercise greater care. The problem with "spikeless" shoes is that they can present traction problems on the precise surface they were marketed and sold to be used on: the course.

Lemonade stand

In response to the article in the May Golf Journal, "Swimming in Lemonade," what a gracious, thoughtful and caring wife Tamara Manasek must be. I hope her husband and son realize what a jewel they have taking care of them. Additionally, I hope Mr. Manasek will be just as caring, pleasant and honest in teaching and playing with his son. And I'll bet she makes great lemonade.

Alan E. Wells

Las Cruces, N.M.

A great friend

It was with much sadness that our club received the news that the past managing editor of Golf Journal, George Eberl, had died (Necrology, June).

It was in the mid 1980s when our president, Jim Orr, on one of his golfing sorties in Scotland, by chance met George and three friends at Royal Dornoch Golf Club, where George had been an overseas member for several years. From this chance meeting, Jim and his wife became members of the USGA, visiting Golf House regularly.

Hamilton Golf Club made George its first honorary member and as a gift from George, the club was enrolled as a member of the USGA, which we renew every year.

He will be missed by Jim and his wife, the council and members of the club and all his friends in Hamilton, and in Scotland, which George considered his second home.

Jim McIntyre

Captain, Hamilton Golf Club

Hamilton, Scotland

Are they legal?

On page 34 of the story, "By the (Yardage) Book," Mr. Gould says, "These days, you can buy a yardage book for nearly any course, check sprinkler heads and cart paths for distance markings, carry a digital radar distance scope, even ride in a golf cart with an on-board computer that uses satellite technology to provide distance to the hole from any spot on the property."

My question is, are all of the above methods of finding the yardage legal?

Kathy Barley

Orlando, Fla.

Legal in what sense? Can a player use yardage books, sprinkler heads and cart path markings in a USGA competition? Absolutely. Will you see any of the high-tech cart gizmos used in a USGA competition where riding is permitted? No. But if you are playing a casual round at a course where they are used, you should post your score for handicapping purposes.